How To Bleach Wood Floors

Bleaching wood floors is a great way to lighten the color of your floors and give them a fresh, new look. It's a relatively simple process that can be done in a few hours, and it doesn't require any special skills or equipment.

Here's what you'll need to get started:

Wood bleach
Rags or sponge
Bucket
Water
Neutralizing agent (such as vinegar or ammonia)
Polyurethane finish

Once you have your supplies, you can start bleaching your floors.

Prepare the floor. Move all furniture and rugs out of the room. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any dirt or debris.
Mix the bleach solution. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the wood bleach. Typically, you'll mix 1 part bleach to 3 parts water.
Apply the bleach solution. Using rags or a sponge, apply the bleach solution to the floor. Work in small sections, and be sure to apply the solution evenly.
Let the bleach sit. Allow the bleach solution to sit on the floor for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. This will typically be around 15-30 minutes.
Neutralize the bleach. Once the bleach has sat, it's important to neutralize it to stop it from damaging the floor. To do this, mix 1 part neutralizing agent (such as vinegar or ammonia) to 10 parts water. Apply the neutralizing solution to the floor and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Rinse the floor. Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining bleach or neutralizing solution.
Dry the floor. Allow the floor to dry completely before applying a polyurethane finish.

Once your floor is dry, you can apply a polyurethane finish to protect it. Polyurethane is a clear finish that will help to seal the wood and protect it from wear and tear.

Here are a few tips for bleaching wood floors:

Test the bleach solution on a small area of the floor before applying it to the entire floor. This will help you to make sure that the bleach doesn't damage the floor.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Bleach fumes can be harmful, so it's important to open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
Wear gloves and eye protection when working with bleach.
Don't overbleach the floor. Overbleaching can damage the wood.
If you're not sure how to bleach wood floors, it's best to consult with a professional.